Ronald E. Fondaw has worked in the arts for over 30 years. He gains inspiration from nature’s play with colors. Drawing plays an important part in his sculpture, from the large-scale adobe works to drawings in cast metal and his use of lighting.

Fondaw has led students to develop works of art for the Mary Ryder Home for low-income seniors in St. Louis, The Grace Hill Clinics, and staff areas at Mercy Hospital. Fondaw currently leads students to create artworks specifically for the Affinia Healthcare clinic (3930 S. Broadway, St. Louis). Fundamental to this latest work is Fondaw’s notion that the beauty of our surroundings can be considered artful even within the most strained socioeconomic environment; the idea that our bodies respond to positive surrounding with positive emotions which trigger a corresponding chemical release into our blood stream that uplifts wellbeing or reduces feelings of stress. Fondow believes that if patients are exposed to artworks that evoke a positive emotion, that will contribute to their overall wellbeing.